How to Make Home Cleaning Quicker, Easier

(ARA) - Cleaning your home is one of those things that seem like a really good idea at the time - until you are up to your elbows in grime, surrounded by clutter, and wondering what ever compelled you to start such a gargantuan project in the first place! Long gone are the days when people could devote so much time and energy to keeping their homes clean. After all, we have busy lives and hectic schedules.

Here's the good news - it can be done. So, this summer, throw open your curtains and let the sun shine in because cleaning doesn't have to be another dreaded chore if you keep in mind a few easy tips.

Spread out the work.
Nothing can blow good intentions like insurmountable tasks. It's important not to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to cleaning the whole house. In other words, don't clean up the entire house. Divide your home into zones and attack them one at a time. Instead of trying to tear through your entire home in a day, spend a week devoted to one zone of your home, such as the kitchen. After the week is over, move on to the next zone.

Set priorities.
Health and safety come first. Prioritize your cleaning projects that will make your family and home more comfortable and healthier. For instance, consider replacing any chemical-filled household cleaners with natural, multipurpose cleaners. This could include using half vinegar and half water for cleaning glass or using baking soda and water for an inexpensive and chemical-free way to scrub bathtubs and sinks.

It's also important to protect against the dust, pollen and dander that can cause poor indoor air quality and aggravate allergies or asthma. Installing a whole-home air filtration system, such as the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning AccuClean, will eliminate up to 99.98 percent of these airborne particles from the filtered air in your house. It will also help you spend less time cleaning this summer and throughout the year so you can spend more time enjoying your family!

Stay on task.
This tip is probably the most difficult one for any homeowner to stick with, but it's vital if anything is ever going to be accomplished. Set aside a chunk of time to do some cleaning tasks and then keep working. Distractions, of course, are inevitable. But take measures to prevent them as much as possible. Don't answer the phone, refrain from checking e-mails, or put on a movie for the kids so that you can have at least one or two uninterrupted hours.

Seek help.
Nothing saves time better than increasing your workforce. Pick up the phone and invite some friends over for a house cleaning party. After all, it's always more fun to clean up someone else's home. You provide the food and drinks, and your friends can help you attack a cleaning project. Turning cleaning into a friendly project will not only help you get the work done, it will make it fun. Of course, keep in mind your friends will likely ask you to return the favor!

Finally, if you really want to de-clutter your home, hold a garage or yard sale and turn your trash into someone else's treasure. And remember, this summer, no matter what your schedule, there is always time to create the home that you desire.